Review of "What You Said To Me" by Olivia Newport

This is book four in the Tree of Life series - and I think it might just be my favorite!

When Geneaologist Jillian's father (attorney Nolan Duffy) brings home a teenage shoplifter in need of some volunteer hours -a sentencing requirement- she is less than pleased. Jillian finally relents, but the teen is not only uninterested; she is downright difficult most of the time.

Teen Tisha Crowder and her family are suffering from what appears to be a sort of generational curse, burden, or deeply held misbeliefs that are still impacting their daily lives. Anger has been passed down again and again; will Jillian and Nolan ultimately be able to break through Tisha's protective wall and find the smart and capable girl that's inside? Does sorting our your heritage truly change your future?

With the usual colorful cast of characters in this endearing small town, combined with a glimpse into an important time in Colorado's history, this book is a fun and thought provoking read. I happily recommend it!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "The Price of Valor" by Susan May Warren

Book Three in the Global Search and Rescue book; here we focus on Hamilton Jones' story. Ham is a former Navy Seal who is shocked to learn he has a 10 year old daughter from his long lost (and believed to be dead) wife, Signe. When he digs a little deeper he begins to suspect Signe may still be alive - but why does she keep running? And just who is after her?

With numerous twists and turns paired with a few crazy natural disasters (the shock and awe keeps coming), there are also questions about Signe's motives. Just who can really be trusted? Also, if you've read any of the author's other books (especially the Marshall and Deep Haven series) you will be 100% clued in on all the supporting cast. Although I have literally read EVERY SINGLE OTHER one except the Marshall series (downloaded but not read yet), I did feel as if I were missing a tiny bit of insight. I do always appreciate a good "wink" from other story lines/characters, and overall it wasn't a big issue. I would however recommend reading books 1 and 2 in this series first!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Set the Stars Alight" by Amanda Dykes

The best way I can describe this book is SIMPLY LOVELY. It is beautifully written, engaging, and fanciful in all the right ways. The split time story unfolds at a perfectly timed pace, and the ending is satisfying. I truly enjoyed this book!

Marine Archaelogist Lucy Clairmont has been brought up in a world that is full of wonder and mystery. She enjoys a closely knit family unit - she and her loving parents, who easily fold the lonely neighbor boy (Dashel Greene) into their lives. When the family experiences a major tragedy and Dashel is also forced to move back to the States, Lucy's heart is more than a little broken. She soldiers on, but life is never again the same.

When grown up Lucy and grown up Dash reconnect, they work together to solve a centuries-old mystery. What they find surprises everyone. The full picture unfolds intelligently, tying the knots between Lucy and Dashel's present day adventures with a love story from the early 1800's - but it's not a traditional one. It's better. This is a book I will be recommending and thinking about for a long time.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.